A Los Angeles County sheriff's deputy shot and killed a pit bull that was attacking a man in Lancaster, in the 43200 block of 20th Street West, near West Avenue K8, on Monday morning. The man was unresponsive and lying in a fenced front yard with a locked gate, and deputies arrived to find the dog actively attacking him. After verbal commands failed to stop the animal, the deputy opened fire and the dog died at the scene, with the victim transported to hospital in stable condition. Investigators noted the dog was owned by a family member living with the victim, and animal control took custody of the remains. Officials described the incident as a life-threatening emergency in which deputies acted to save the man's life and then provided lifesaving care. The case remains under review by LASD to determine legal and policy implications.